Sister Mary Ann Hanson
March 22, 1938 – October 21, 2026
Professed August 16, 1958
Sister Mary Ann was the eldest of fourteen children born to Clayton and Irene Hanson. In many ways, she was always a second mother to her siblings, who fondly called her “Mama Bear.” Growing up in Watts, California, Sister Mary Ann attended St. Lawrence of Brindisi Elementary School, where she met the Sisters of Notre Dame. She became an aspirant and graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Los Angeles. Her growing desire to serve God and others enabled her to leave her large, loving family and become a religious.
Learning from her own mother, she developed practical domestic and cooking skills. For 24 years, she was the kitchen manager at the provincial house in Thousand Oaks, where she also mentored novices in cooking and baking skills with patience and humor. Regarding domestic service, she said, “I truly believe that if I can make the other sisters happy, then they’ll be better in their ministry.”
Over the years, Sister Mary Ann served as a teacher’s aide at Our Lady of the Assumption and Saint Mary Magdalen Schools, prepared children for first Holy Communion, and ministered as a certified Camarillo Hospice Visitor. In the provincial center, she also served as the preschool receptionist and provided transportation for the sisters. In all of her ministries, she provided a tenderness that reflected her motherly instincts.
Her hobbies included reading, going to the movies with friends, and writing cards. Sister Mary Ann was also known for her needlework, making beautiful gifts for her family and friends. She loved to travel. Besides the congregational pilgrimage, Sister was grateful for trips to Palm Springs, an Alaskan cruise, and most especially her visit to her birthplace, Bishop, California.
In her last years, Sister Mary Ann embraced the ministry of Prayer and Presence. She was always interested in others and took prayer intentions seriously, especially through her devotion to Mary and the Rosary. Mary Ann kept in close contact with her family, praying for them, remembering special occasions, and giving sisterly counsel. She graciously welcomed visitors, and had warm relationships with her caretakers.
We now believe that the care she gave to others is being rewarded in the heavenly kingdom. May she rest in peace.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Mary Ann will be celebrated on November 14 at 11:00am at Notre Dame Center. Click here for livestream link. Internment will follow at Assumption Cemetery in Simi Valley, CA. Memorial donations will be appreciated to the Sisters of Notre Dame, 1776 Hendrix Ave. Thousand Oaks CA 91360 or at www.sndusa.org/donateca.
